The Los Angeles Angels made a roster move prior to their matchup against the Minnesota Twins by activating Jared Walsh from the 10-day injured list. To make room on the 26-man roster, the club designated Brett Phillips for assignment.
Walsh had been dealing with insomnia and headaches that have kept him out for the season to this point. The illness required him to visit a specialist in Utah to treat his symptoms, and he discussed that the whole thing was making his life “Hell.”
After improving, he began to prepare himself to return and recently went on a rehab assignment to Triple-A Salt Lake, where he performed well. Angels manager Phil Nevin said Walsh’s return would be totally dependent on how he feels and up to him on when he’s ready.
Walsh’s addition to the Angels roster brings a needed power presence from the left-hand side. Among first base options Nevin has slotted in, they’ve posted a collective 83 wRC+, which ranks 24th in Major League Baseball.
The 29-year-old is playing first base and batting sixth in his return.
As for Phillips, the Angels made the decision to move on from their backup outfielder, likely due to the rise of Mickey Moniak, who has provided a spark for the team.
Phillips was used almost exclusively as a defensive substitution and pinch-runner, having only 16 plate appearances in 20 games this year. He was batting just .077/.250/.077 with a 9 wRC+ and 0 WAR in his time with the club.
The move removes Phillips from the 40-man roster and gives the Angels one week to trade him or place him on outright waivers.
If he is claimed off waivers by another club, he is immediately added to that team’s 40-man roster, at which point he would be added to his new team’s 26-man roster.
If Phillips clears waivers, he may be sent outright to the Minor Leagues or released. As Phillips has more than three years of service time, he may decline a Minor League assignment and go directly to free agency, if he wishes.
He was signed to a one-year, $1.2 million deal this past offseason.
Angels give Ryan Tepera his release
The Angels designated relief pitcher Ryan Tepera for assignment on Sunday after he continued to struggle with the team. After clearing waivers, the veteran reliever has been granted his release and becomes a free agent.
He posted a 7.27 ERA, 5.71 FIP, and 2.07 WHIP in 8.2 innings, giving him a -0.2 WAR.
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